by George Schroeder, USA TODAY Sports

by George Schroeder, USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK - Say this for Johnny Manziel: He has ambition. He's just become the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy, and his next objective is only, well, "to be the best football player in the entire world."

It's a lofty goal, but Manziel was deemed the best player in college football this season by Heisman voters, who overcame their historic unwillingness to reward freshmen.

Described by runner-up Manti Te'o as "a human video game," the Texas A&M quarterback known as "Johnny Football" received 474 of a possible 928 first-place votes and a total of 2,029 points, ahead of the Notre Dame linebacker (321 first-place votes, 1,706 points) and Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein (60, 894).

Despite setting the Southeastern Conference record for total offense while leading A&M to a 10-2 record, there would seem to be room for growth. While Te'o and Klein were seniors, Manziel was only two days past his 20th birthday when he claimed the trophy Saturday night. He has three years of eligibility remaining (though after redshirting in 2011, he could opt for the NFL draft next year, after his sophomore season).

Could he win another Heisman or three? He has other ideas.

"First and foremost, there's the Cotton Bowl," said Manziel, referring to the Aggies' game Jan. 4 with 11th-ranked Oklahoma in Arlington, Texas. "From there, I have to be the guy that starts the motor for a run at the national title next year. That's our goal. If more awards come, they come."

It's not a hard and fast rule that Heisman-winning quarterbacks don't play well in bowl games, it just seems that way. Only a year ago, Robert Griffin III led Baylor to victory in a wild Alamo Bowl shootout that showcased all of his ability. The year before that, Cam Newton led Auburn to the BCS title. While the last 10 went 4-6, perhaps buried beneath the toll of the awards circuit, Manziel's father said refocusing won't be a problem.

Manziel's coaches say he has only begun to tap his potential. The 6-foot, 205-pounder compiled 4,600 yards and led the SEC in rushing and scoring. When he led the Aggies to a stunning upset Nov. 10 at then-No. 1 Alabama, the legend of "Johnny Football" was full-blown. But Texas A&M offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said as a player, Manziel is not yet fully grown.

Although the most spectacular highlights come from ad-libs, the sequences when no one including Manziel is really sure what's coming next, the continued emphasis is to stick with the plan, to strike what Kingsbury calls "a happy medium" between following instruction or his instincts.